Reel control device



Dec. 12, 1933. P. v. MOCASH ET AL REEL CONTROL DEVICE Filed Oct.

16, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTQRS BY if Z ATTORN EY Dec. 12, 1933.

P. V. M CASH ET AL REEL CONTROL DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 16, 1929 INVENTORS BY M ATTORNEY Dec. 12, 1933. P. v. MCCASH H M 1,939,181

REEL CONTROL DEVICE Filed 001;. 1 6, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I I I I I I I IIII ATTORNEY mama Dec. 12,1933" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REEL CONTROL DEVICE Application October 16, 1929. Serial No. 400,100

3Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in sound reproducing devices.

The principal object of the invention is to correct defects heretofore existing in devices of this kind in the prior art, so far as we are aware. For example, devices of the general character dealt with in this invention usually involve a flexible member, such as a wire or the like, which is adapted to receive impressions from sound waves, the wire being paid off of one spool automatically, and in the same manner wound upon another spool, as distinguished from an impressionable disc or cylinder, with means for indenting or channeling the surface of the cylinder, and the subsequent use of a needle adapted to traverse such channels to reproduce the sound vibrations.

Some of the examples of defects in the prior art are:

(a) The absence of any dual controls for the movement of the wire, such as a manually operated control and also an automatic control, either electrically or otherwise operated.

(b) The absence of means to prevent lash of the wire when its movement is arrested with a resultant liability of the wire to either break or to become disengaged from one of the spools, particularly from the spool from which the wire is being paid oil. I

To correct these and many other defects and objections heretofore existing in the art, as stated, is the principal object of the present invention.

p The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device. Figure 2 is a top plan view. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken upon the line 3.3 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of 4 the arrows.

Figure 4 is a similar view taken upon the line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 is a tic view of the wiring 46 diagram.

In connection with the following disclosure it is to be understood that the invention involves two distinct units. Each-unitincludes two separate reeling devices, with each reeling device pro- 60 vided with control means and each device including a spool, with a flexible member such as a steel wire extending from one spool to the other for winding from one spool or the other. According to circuiting controls to be later more specifically described, the respective winding mechanism of each unit are controlled so as to positively driven successively so that the steel wire may be wound positively by the operation of the spool of one unit in one direction and then rewound on the spool of the other unit in the opposite direction. Each winding mechanism of each unit is a duplicate of the other winding mechanism of that unit and one such mechanism only will be described. In such description, however.

in order to provide for a description of the operation, duplicate parts of one unit will be given the same reference character, with the addition of the exponent a, as the similar ele-. ment of the other winding mechanism.

An essential feature of the invention is the pro- 10 vision of means by which the control circuits oi one unit, when the operation of that unit is completed, automatically energizes the control circuits of the other unit, and .in that energization of the other unit the operation described 15 herein in connection with the one unit is repeated. In Figure 5 of the drawings, there has been illustrated the circuits of the two units. The necessarily similar parts of the winding mechanisms shown in these respective circuiting arrangements are given the same reference character in each circuiting arrangement, while the circuiting wires and connections of one unit, that indicated at the right hand end of Figure 5, are given the same reference numeral with 100 added, as the circuiting elements of the other unit shown at the left hand end of Figure 5.

It is not believed necessary to give a detail description of the circuiting units at the right hand end of Figure 5, for they are in accord with the circuiting units at the left hand end, which will be hereinafter described, and may be read in that description with the addition of 100 to each reference numeral, except in those parts of the respective winding mechanisms of each unit which bear the same reference numerals in each circuiting arrangement in order to completethe disclosure.

Referring 'now more particularly to the drawings, in each winding mechanism of the unit being described, reference numeral 1 represents a base plate from which extend brackets 2 and 3, provided with journal bearings 4 and 5, through which passes the shaft 6. To one end of this shaft is keyed a drum '1, upon which a spool 8 is revolubly mounted. The respective winding mechanisms of one unit are shown in Figure 2 and the parts already described in reference to one winding mechanism apply to the other, except in the specific instances hereinafter noted,

where in order to clarify the description, parts of one winding mechanism duplicated in the other bear the same reference numeral followed by the reference character a. The spool 8 of the winding mechanism to the left of Figure 2 is provided with contact points 8, 8, 8 and 8, while the spool 8 of the winding mechanism shown at the right of Figure 2 is provided with contacts 8 and 8. The contacts 8, 8 and 8 are independently connected to the slip rings 10 by wires 10", while the contact point 8 is connected electrically with the contact point 8 by a wire 8*. The contact points 8 and 8 of the spool 8 of the other winding mechanism of thisunit are connected by wires 10 with slip rings 10.

Next to the drum '7 is an insulated collar 9, provided with slip rings 10. 11 is a collar pinned on the shaft 6 to prevent end play in the shaft 6, and also to provide friction. 12 is a collar operated through a bell crank 13, rotating on a shaft 14. The collar 12 is urged to the left by coil spring 15. 16 is a pulley provided with a groove 17 to receive a belt 17*. The pulley is free to rotate on the shaft 6. 18 is a disc provided with a friction ring 19.

20 is another bell crank provided with a friction block 21. This bell crank is operated by a solenoid 22. 23 is another solenoid operating bell crank 13. 24 is another bell crank provided with a hook 25 which can be passed over the end of bell crank 13. This hook can be disengaged by the operation of the solenoid 26. 27 is a bracket to which are pivoted the bell cranks 13 and 24. To the inner end of the shaft 14 is connected a mercury contact tube 28. The similar construction of the other winding mechanism is shown in the shaft 14 and the mercury contact tube 28'. The shaft 14 is provided with a terminal right angle lever 29, the shaft 14 of the other winding mechanism of this unit having a similar right angle lever 29. These levers 29 and 29' operate mercury contact tubes 30 and 31.

30 and 31 are mercury contact tubes pivoted to shaft 32, which is mounted upon the brackets 33 secured to the frame of the machine. These contact tubes 30 and 31 are adapted to be tilted toward one end or the other by the operation of the levers 29 and 29, when either the shaft 14 or 14 is rotated. 34, 35 and 36 are mercury tubes mounted to rotate independently of shaft 37 (see Figure 2).

Supported by the brackets 39, 40 and 41 are electro-magnets operating the tubes 34, 35 and 36 respectively. 42 is a stop switch adaptedto stop the operation of the machine} 43 is a toggle switch for starting the machine either forward or backward. 44 is an automatic electric switch for switching the remote control from one unit to the other and is operated by magnets 45 and 45 46 represents a source of electrical energy so that when switch 47 is closed the following circuits will be closed, as will now be traced out.

The circuiting arrangement for the winding mechanisms of one unit, as illustrated at the left hand portion of Figure 5, will now be described. The current flows through wire 48, as indicated by the arrows, to a point where wire 49 joins wire 48. The wire 49 being part of an open circuit at this time, the current passes on to the point where wire 50 joins wire 48, but no current will flow in wire 50 because, the switch 42 is now open. The current passes on to point 51, where it divides, going to the remote control switch- 44. This remote control circuit will be more fully hereinafter described. The current also passes up through wire 52 to point 53, through magnet 41 through wire 54 to contact finger 55, whence it continues to contact point 8*, thence to point 8 where it is short-circuited by the wire on the spoo The current fiows from contact point 8 to contact point 8 through wire 8 from the point where contact point 8 joins the wire 58. No current will fiow through wire 58, however, as there is a gap between contact points 8 and. 8 which are on the empty spool. The current now passes to contact finger 59, thence to wire 60 and finally to point 61. No current will fiow in wire 62, however, as the gap 63 is open. The current continues to point 64, through wire 65 and finally back to the source 46. At point 64 no current can fiow through wire 66 as this circuit is now open. Going back to point 53, the current fiows up through wire 52 to point 67, through electromagnet 40, wire 68 to contact point 8 through the wire on the spool to contact point 8, and back through contact finger 59, through wire 60 to point 64 through wire 65 and then back to the source 46.

Assuming that the starting switch 43 is turned to the right, the following circuits will be effected: The current flows from the source 46 through wire 48 to wire 49 through tube 28 to point 70, through wire 71, solenoid 26, wire 72, to point 73, across gap 74 to point 75, to wire 65 and back to the source 45. As solenoid 26 is energized, releasing hook 25 controlled by sole-' noid 26, the clutch is shifted to the left, engaging pulley 16 of thewinding mechanism to the right in Figure 2 with its friction clutch 18, and the movement of the wire is started, ready for recording. From point 70 no current can flow in wire 76 due'to open circuit'in tube 30. The wires 77 and 78 join the points 73 and 75 respectively and are extensions to the remote control, which is a duplicate of the manual control on the machine, the circuits being identical. As the recording wire is running forwardly, a few revolutions will cause the wire to wind up on the spool which was before that time empty, shorting the gap between contacts 8 and 8 andcom, pleting the circuit from wire 52, through electromagnet 39, back to'contact finger 59 to the source 46 as before. The energizing of magnet 39 opens the stopping circuit in tube 34, which up to. this time was completed through the tube from wire 52 to wire 100 and to contact points 101 and 102 which are now being held open by toggle switch I 43. Previously to the operation of switch 43 the current, of course, flowed across contact 101 to contact 102, to wire 80 to tube 31, and thence to solenoid 23 or 23 and then to the source 46.

To stop the machine, the switch 42 is actuated, allowing the current to fiow in wire 50 through 79, through wire 80, to point 81, through contacts82, through wire 83, through solenoid 23', through wire 84 to point 85, through wire 98 to point 87, through wire 88 back to source 46. As solenoid 23 rotates the shaft 14*, tipping mercury tube 28', allowing current to flow from the source 46 to wire 89 through gap 90 to point 91, through wire 92, through gap 93 to tube 30, to wire 94 through solenoid 22, through point 95 through wire 96 back to' the source 46. The sole- 3.45

noid is now energized',-which operates bell crank 20 causing friction blocks 21 to rub against disc 18, stopp flthe shaft 6, and thus arresting the movement of the parts.

For manually reversing the machine, switch 159 43 is thrown to the left, closing contact point 63.

switch 47 through wire 48 to point 48 to wire 89 through tube gap 90 to point 91 where the current divides into wire 92 and wire 97, through solenoid 26, through wire 98 to point 99 throu h gap 63 through wire 62 to point 61 to point 64 through wire 65 back to source 46. The current will also flow through wire 92 through gap 93 through wire 94, through solenoid 22, throughwire 96 to point 9'1, through wire 88 back to source 46. The energizing of solenoid 26 just mentioned releases the hook throwing collar 12to the left through bell crank 13, causing wheel 16 to engage with friction disc 18. At the same time shaft 14 is rotated, tipping tube down at right-end, breaking circuit through magnetic solenoid 22, releasing friction brake 21.

When the machine has run forward until the spool 8 of the winding mechanism shown at the left of Figure 1 is unwound down to the last layer, the few succeeding turns will uncover contacts 8" and 8, thus breaking the circuit through electromagnet 41, allowing mercury contact tube 36 to drop, which completes the circuit between wires 165 andv 1'72, which automatically starts up the second machine, this being equivalent to turning switch 143 to the right. A few more revolutions of the spool on the first machine uncovers contacts 8 and 8, breaking the circuit in electromagnet 40, causing mercury contact tube to drop, which allows current to flow from wire 52 through wire 100 to point 103, through wire 104 to electro-magnet and throwing remote control switch over to the second machine, the circuit through electro-magnet 45 being completed through wire to source 46. At thesame time current flowing through mercury contact tube 35 flows through wire 100 to contact points 101 and 102, which are now closed, to wire through contact points 82 of mercury tube 31 through wire 83 through solenoid 23 through wire 84 to wire 86 to point 87 through wire 88 to source 46. The energizing of solenoid 23 disengages clutch 18 and rotates shaft 14, which tips tube 28' and completes circuit from source to mercury contact tube 30 through wire 94 to solenoid 22 to point 95 through wire 96 to point 8'7 through wire 88 back to source 46. This energizes solenoid 22 and applies magnetic brake 21, stopping the winding mechanism of the first unit.

when the machine is being operated backwards for the purpose of rewinding the spool 8, it will be automatically stopped when contact points 8' and 8 are uncovered,-which breaks the circuit through electro-magnet 39, allowing mercury tube 34 to drop, which completes the circuit through wire 52 to wire 100 through contacts 101 and 102, through wire 80 to mercury contact tube 31,

through contact points 82 through wire 105 to solenoid 23 to point 95 through wire 96 to point 87 through wire 88 to source 46, completing this circuit, energizing solenoid 23, which disengages clutch 21, rotates shaft 14, tipping mercury tube 28, which completes circuit through tube 28 to contacts 93 through wire. 106, through solenoid ,22, through wire 86 to point 87, through wire The current flowing.

88 back to source 46. through solenoid 22' applies magnetic brake 21, thus stopping the machine.

While we have shown and described a particular form of embodiment of our invention, we are aware that many minor changes will readily suggest themselves to others skilled in the art without departing from the scope of our invention. We therefore desire to avoid being limited to the exact form of embodiment which we have hereinabove shown and described.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is

1. In a device of the class described, two independent reeling units, each of said units including two separate winding mechanisms, a spool for each winding mechanism, a recording wire moving from the spool of one winding mechanism of one unit to the spool of the other winding mechanism of that unit, electrically controlled means for the respective winding mechanisms of one unit for automatically controlling said winding mechanisms to wind the recording wire from the spool of one winding mechanism to the spool of the other winding mechanism of the same unit, circuits for operating said means, and an automatic switch connecting the circuits for the control of the respective units, each set of circuits for the control of one unit including means for automatically operating said switch to energize the circuits of the other unit when the circuits of the first unit have controlled the winding mechanisms of that unit to wind the wire from one spool of that unit to the other spool of that cording wire thereto to operate the switch for energizing the circuits of the other unit.

3. A construction as defined in claim 1, wherein each circuit arrangement for each unit includes a manually operable switch for selectively reversing the operation of the winding mechanisms of that unit.

PERRY V. McCASH. ALFRED W. PEELER. 

